Prostate Cancer Questions

Staying positive and keeping your mind off of the negativity. How do you do it?

Staying positive and keeping your mind off of the negativity. How do you do it?

I read a lot of articles online about staying positive to help you get through the journey, but how do you do it? I am stuck thinking about the negative of what if I don't make it, what about this virus, will it make things worse? I feel like I'm slipping into depression but I'm not sure. I have never been to any kind of therapist so I really don't know what depression feels like. But this must be it.

10 Answers from the Community

We are uncharted territory. Every state has chosen different responses. It's confusing because opinions about what is safe to do and what is not safe vary.

We have hunkered down and decided not to go out to any stores. I'm going to use Kroger's Pick Up service when we get low on eggs, butter, milk - what I consider essential for cooking. That way, I'm not touching a cart or coming in contact with anyone.

What helps me is deep breathing. Most of us don't know how to do that. I use deep breathing when I go to bed to help me drift off to sleep. Here's a link so that you can learn how.

I'm limiting my news watching. It's weird because usually I watch it 4 to 6 and then the 10 p.m. News too.

I watch the state update about 2:45 each day but then only the first 20 minutes of the news so I can hear the weather.

I am working on a big crochet Afghan as something to keep both my hands and mind busy. I also watch movies on Disney plus right now.

And I go for walks with my son to help with my knee recovery. I'm doing my exercises too.

I'm keeping both my mind and body busy so that I don't think too much of the problems that are going on. Maybe it's a bit selfish, but it's all I can do. I do miss my granddaughters but for all of our sales we need to stay apart. Pictures and videos help.

It's really hard to stay positive right now but we need to just keep thinking "this too shall pass". Depression is made worse by isolation so keep in contact with others in every way you can. I have been on phone and devices more in the past couple of weeks than ever before.

I too have found deep breathing exercises can help. I learned a thing called "wave breathing". Imagine yourself on the shore. Close your eyes. Imagine your breaths are waves rolling on and off the beach. Breath in deeply through your nose; wave rolling in. Exhale slowly through your mouth; wave washing back out. Your breaths even imitate the hiss of waves on the sand. Sounds silly but after a few breaths you start to relax.

Another silly trick I learned. You cannot wiggle your toes when you are all tensed up. So wiggle your toes. Ya have to relax!

When I first started dealing with cancer I had already been practicing keeping a positive attitude no matter what the obstacle. I was considered a positive person in any situation, always look for the bright side of everything. When I was diagnosed I continued the same practice and looked at cancer just like I had looked at the business world. Get the facts, gather the information/options/plan and move forward. Most of all, don't worry about anything until you actually have something to worry about. Yes, easy to say, hard to do. But if you can train your mind to follow this simple exercise you will have a much easier journey through the cancer field.

I stay in God's Word, first and foremost. I do things I love to do - take pictures, make jewelry, play stupid little online games, Bible studies, read ... Honestly, the days pass so quickly that I can't believe it is already time for bed (and as a result, I often stay up way, way too late) ... and the weeks, too, have been rushing by regardless of the fact that we are holed up inside the house.

I think the key is to dwell on the good things. The things you are grateful for. The now. We can't know the future. It does seem a bit scary ... but what we know and what we can control (less right now than usual, but you still can control your thoughts) is right this minute. What's good in your life? Enjoy them. Appreciate them. Savor them.

Good luck!! Like Greg said, it isn't easy to train your mind to look to the positive, but it can definitely be done. And you'll be glad you did it.

With me it is never a positive vs negative approach. I seek equilibrium. First I embrace the negative and deal with it. Negativity actually energizes me. I get busy and take action against those negative feelings. That does not mean that I look on the "bright side" It means I take steps toward the middle. Also if I put all my energy toward a positive attitude and fail, I am worse off than before. So I make a game of embracing the negative. Of course this attitude gives me a very dark sense of humor.

Music is my best friend right now. I play upbeat songs and dance with the dogs. The only exception was yesterday when I listened to Bill Withers....sadness that he is gone....but his music is timeless, so he’ll live on forever. I also watch funny YouTube videos....some which have me howling.

Also a stage 4 metastatic prostate cancer survivor...5 yrs and going strong..Live for each Blessed day..Get involved when it's safe again to do so...join Exercise program with others..YMCA has great Livestrong program, don't isolate yourself, look into volunteer opportunities iñ your community, when your mind is busy with a full schedule your not thinking about yourself, for now, just keep your mind busy with indoor projects and stay socially connected with family and friends...We will come out of this...."Live for today, nobody is Gauranteed a tomorrow",

Belief in the transcendent, the eternal. A life which transcends this earthly life. IOW, good old fashioned faith. I realize that this is not so popular these days, but I also note that we are almost certainly the most anxious generation ever to tread this earth.